Block for automatic blocking mechanism for strip-mills.



A. SUNDH, BLOCK FORYAUTOMATIC BLOCKING MECHANISM FOR STRIIP MILLS.

APPHCATION FILED N0V116 |916- 1,265,400., Patented May 7, 1918.

HE l.

/ INVENTOR ATTORNEY A. SUNDH.

B LOCK FOR AUTOMATIC BLOCKING MECHANISM FOR STRIP MILLS.

APPLICATION FILED Nov. 16. 1916.

1,265,400. Patented May 7,1918.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

INVENTOR ATTORN EY @FFKQE.

AUGUS T SUNDH, OF HASTINGS-UPON-HUDSON, NEW YORK.

BLOCK FOR AUTOMATIC BLOCKING MECHANISM FOR STRIP-MILLS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented May 7, 1918.

Original application filed October 11-, 1915, Serial No. 55,361. Divided and this application filed November 16, 1916. Serial No. 131,634.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, AUGUST SUNDH, a citizen of the United States, residing at Hastings-upon-Hudson, in the county of Westchester and State of New York, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Blocks for Automatic Blocking Mechanism 7 for Strip-Mills, of which the following is a specification.

This application is a divisionofmy copending application, Serial No. 55,361, filed October 11, 1915, on an improvement in automatic blocking mechanism for strip mills.

My invention relates to strip mills, and is directed more particularly to mechanism for automatically blocking or coiling the strip after it has passed through the rolls of the mill.

One object of the invention is the provision of automatic means for effecting a drivin engagement between the strip and block su stantially at the instant that the advancing end of the strip reaches a predetermined position with respect to the block so that the strip shall first be properly secured to the block and then coiled thereon to any desired amount, under uniform tension throughout the entire blocking of the strip,

and thereby insure a snugly wound coil and prevent any. buckling or tearing of the strip between the block and the rolls of the mill.

Another object of the invention is the provision o-fautomatic blockingmechanism in which the block may rotate at high speed so as to enable the strip mill to operate up to its maximum capacity.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a device of the class described involving automatic features in part electrical which enable one to attain the several objects herein set forth as well as others in a simple, practical and efficient manner, devoid of complications and which may be operated at any speed upon any strip material up to the full capacity of the strip mill. In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is an enlarged sectional view of the wlndin block, together with mechanism carrie therein; Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic end view of the winding block; Fig. 3 1s an elevation view of mechanism carried within the block;

' Fig. 4 is a longitudinal section view of the block; Fig. 5 isa section'view of Fig. 1, the

section being taken substantially on the line a; Fig. 6 is a section of Flg. 4 on the line carried upon insulated studs 11, 11., secured to the frame of the shaft bearing 3. Secured to the flange 8 by means of suitable bolts is a flange 12 formed integral with a sleeve 13 which sleeve is provided at its other end with a flange 14. Between the flanges 12 and 14 and loosely fitting the sleeve 13, is a collar 15, to the periphery of which is secured a hand wheel 16. An annular groove is cut in the lateral face of the collar and is threaded at 17 to receive a ring 18, formed integral with an arc-shaped member or segment 19, shown in section in Fig. 5, and which extends outwardly from the ring and forms a part of the winding block. To the member 19 is hinged a similar arc-shaped segment 20 by means of the countersunk hinges 21, and to the member 20 is hinged by similar countersunk hinges,- a third arc-shaped member 22 the three connected members or segments forming a cylindrical shell, which comprises the block upon which the strip is coiled. It will be noticed that the parts 20 and 22 extend within the counterbored portion of the annular groove in the collar'15, and a substantial s ace 24 is left between them and the ring 1 While the part 19 is rigid on the collar, the counterbore in the collar permits the parts 20 and 22 to be collapsed by the hand of the operator, a limited amount, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, and one or more springs such as 25 may be provided, if desired, to normally expand these tion to insure the cylindrical form of the block, in case the sections of the block should become stuck from any cause such as grease and dirt getting in the hinges. A slot 26 1s provided between the fixed and hinged sections 19 and 22, respectively, the slot extending the entire length of the cylinder and parallel to its axis. By reason of this construction, the cylindrical shell or block may be rotated on the sleeve 13 by means of the hand wheel 16, except at such times as it is connected to rotate with the shaft 4 by the expansion of mechanism carried within the block, and which will now be described.

Referring more particularly to Fig. 1, I show a short shaft 27 which is threaded into the flanged sleeve 13 and hence is rigld with the driving shaft 4. A collar 28 is keyed to to the shaft 27 and is provided with a plurality of upstanding lugs 29 arranged in pairs, each pair of which, I show four, by way of example, being equally spaced upon the collar 28,- and to which is pivoted, by a pin 30, one of a corresponding number of similar segments 31. The longitudinal edges of each of the segments 31 are notched as shown in Figs. 3 and 7 i so that the segments when assembled in position on their pivot pins 30 will fit into each other as shown so as to form a smooth cylindrical outer surface which is tapered a little toward the right hand end. The end of each segment opposite its pivot carries a link 32 pivoted to a slotted collar 33 formed on the core 34. Near the end of each segment is a stop piece 35 which is adapted to engage a collar 36 and thus limit the movement of the segment toward contracted position, tlus movement being effected by a compression spring 37 located between the collars 33 and 36. The latter is bored out somewhat larger than the diameter of the core 34 and-is threaded into an iron or steel tube 38 whose other end is threaded onto the collar 28.

Loosely surrounding the magnet core 34, and

its coacting fixed core 39, which form a part of the short shaft 27, is a brass sleeve 40 with a flange at both'ends and upon this sleeve are arranged magnet coils 41 and 42 having a spacer 43 between them. Suitably insulated conductors 44 lead from the magnet coils to the slip rings 9, 9. In some cases I cylindrical surface of the block comprising the segments 19, 20 and 22, but, as shown in Figs. 3 and 7, I propose in some cases to face the segments 31 with strips of leather 45, or other suitable material which may be countersunk flush with the surface as shown in Fig. 3 or else extend slightly above the surface as shown in Fig. 7.

It will be observed from the foregoing description that the mechanism within the block is connected to run with the shaft 4, while the block itself may be held stationary or rotated independently of the said shaft, both parts revolving as a unit, however, when the mechanism within the block is ex panded by the magnets, with the strip clamped between them. While the mecha nism within the block is rotating and before the strip enters the block, it is necessary to insure that the block shall be at rest in a predetermined position, that is to say, the slot 26 in the block must register properly with the ends of the strip guides, as showr, for example, in Fig. 2. In order to accomplish this, I provide a notch 46 in the surface of the ring 18 (see Fig. 5) which is engaged by a member 47 adapted to be actuated at the proper instant to release the block and permit it to rotate with the mechanism within the block, to coil or block the strip. The mechanism for controlling this member 47 forms no part of the present invention, being fully described in my co-pending ap plication, Serial No. 55,361, of which the present application is a division.

The energization of the windings of the mechanism within the block is controlled in the manner disclosed in my co-pending application already referred-to.

Particular attention is directed to the manner in which the advancing edge of the strip enters and is securely caught by the block. Owing to the tapered form of the inner block segments, the strip in every case will be clamped at substantially its center which insures that the strip will coil up on the block uniformly with no tendency to run out of true or to coil up unevenly which might be the case if the strip were caught toward one side particularly if the advancing edge of the strip be ragged or uneven; Another feature of importance is that the block is adapted successfully to handle strips of any width up to the full width of the block and the strips may be of any thickness or material, and they may run at any speed likely to be met in practice. The block does not require any adjustment in case strips of varying width, thickness, or material are used. Then again the application shows a paratus which is automatically adjustable f br wear, since the mechanism within the block is capable of expanding to a considerably larger diameter than the inside diameter of the block, so that even though there should be considerable wear on the clamping surfaces of the members within the block and the block itself, after long continued use, the magnetization of the mechanism within the block will always effectively clamp the strip no matter how thin it may be. p

The hand wheel 16 is not only useful in bringing the block into position so that the slot will be in position to receive the end of the strip, but after the strip is coiled the wheel may be used to turn the block so that the strip as it hinges thereon will cause the sections to collapse, so that the strip may readily be removed; or if necessary the operator may strike the sections a blow with his hand to collapse them. It will be understood, that so soon as the strip has been removed and the block rotated by the hand wheel into position to receive the next strip, these sections will fall outwardly again by their own weight to cause the block to assume a true cylindrical form. I 1

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Let-' ters Patent of the United States is 1. In a revolving block for a strip mill, the combination of a block capable of being collapsed, expansion mechanism within the block, an electromagnet, comprising a movable core, and levers connecting said core and expanding mechanism.

2. In a revolving block for a strip mill, the combination of a block capable of being collapsed, expansionmechanism Within the block, an electromagnet operatively connected to the expansion mechanism to efi'ect the expansion of said mechanism within said block to clamp the strip.

3. In a revolving block for a strip mill, the combination of a block capable of being collapsed, expansion mechanism within the block, an electromagnet within said expan sion mechanism and operatively connected therewith to effect the expansion of said mechanism Within the block.

4. In a revolving block for a strip mill, the combination of a block capable of being collapsed, a magnet, a slot in said block, and means expanded by said magnet to clamp the strip between the. block and said means after the strip has entered the said slot.

5. In a revolving block for a strip mill,

the combination of ablock capable of being collapsed, a magnet within the block, a slot in said block, and means expanded by said magnet to clamp the strip between the block and said means after the strip has entered the said slot.

'6. In a revolving block for a strip mill, the combination of a block, expansion mechanism within the block, a magnet for actuating said mechanism, and a slot in the block, said block comprising a plurality of sections hinged together.

7. In a revolving block for a strip mill, the combination of a block, expansionmechanism within the, block, an electromagnet within said block for expanding said mechanism to clamp the strip between it and the block, a slot in the block for, the reception of .the strip, said block comprising a plurality of sections hinged together.

8. In a revolving block for astrip mill, the combination of a block capable of being collapsed, and a slot in'the block, for the entry of the strip, said block comprising one section journaled on supporting means for the-blockand other sections hinged-to the first section. I

9. In a revolving block for a strip mill, the combination of a block capable of being collapsed, a slot in the block for the entry of the strip, said block comprising one section journaled in supporting means for'the block, and other sections hinged to the first section, expansion mechanism within the block, and an electromagnet for expanding said mechanism to clamp the strip.

' 10. In a revolving block for a strip mill, the combination of a block capable of being collapsed, a slot in the block for the entry of the strip, said blockcomprising one section journaled in supporting means for the block, and other sections hinged to the first section, and expansion mechanism within the block to clamp the strip. 7

11. In a revolving block for a strip mill, the combination of a block, a slot in the block for the entry of the strip, said block comprising one section "journaled in supporting means for the block, and other sections hinged to the first section, expansion mechanism within the block, and anelectromagnet within the block for expanding said mechanism to clamp the strip.

12. In a revolving block for a strip mill,..

the combination of a block capable of being collapsed, expanding mechanism within the block, an electromagnet for expanding said mechanism to clamp the strip, and a spring for moving said mechanism out of expanded position.

13. In a revolving block for a strip mill, the combination of a block, a plurality of sections fittting into each other and pivoted at one end and forminga substantially cylindrical member within said block, an electromagnet adapted to expand the sections to clamp the strip to the block.

14. In a revolving block for a stri mill, the combination of a block, a plu ity of sections fitting into each other and pivoted at one end and forming a substantially cylindrical member within said block, an electromagnet adapted to expand the sections to clamp the strip to the block, and a spring adapted to move the sections into normal collapsed position.

15. In a revolving block for a strip mill, the combination of a block, a plurality of sections fitting into each other pivoted at one end and forming a substantially cylindrical member within said block, .amagnet core connected by links to each of said sections, an electromagnet adapted to effect a pull on said core to expand the sections to clamp the strip, and a spring acting on said core to effect the withdrawal of said sections and thereby collapse the same.

16. In a revolving block for a strip mill, the combination of a collapsible block, mechanism within the block, an electromagnet adapted to expand said mechanism, a slot in the block, and means operated by said magnet to expand said mechanism within the block to clamp the strip when the latter has entered the slot in the block.

17. In a revolving block for a strip mill,

the combination of a block, mechanism within the block, an electromagnet within the block and adapted to expand said mechanism, a slot in the block, and means operated by said magnet to expand the mechanism within the block to clamp the strip when the latter enters the slot.

18. The combination with the revolving block of a strip mill, mechanism within said block, a slot in said block for the entry of the strip into the block between theblock and said mechanism, means for expanding said mechanism to clamp the strip between it and the block, said expanding mechanism comprising a plurality of sectlons together forming a cylinder, the sections being faced with yielding material.

19. In an automatic blocking apparatus, the combination of a block capable of being collapsed, an expending member for clamping the material to the block, an electromagnet for actuating said member, and an energizing circuit therefor.

20. In a blocking mechanism adapted to wind a strip coming from a strip mill, the combination of a rotatable collapsible block initially stationary, an expansion member,

and means to expand said member to cause it to clamp the strip between it and the block.

21. In blocking mechanism adapted to wind a strip coming from a strip mill, the combination of a rotatable collapsible block initially stationary, an expansion member rotatable independently of said block, and means to expand said member to cause it to clamp the strip between it and the block, so that said member and block will rotate as a unit to block the strip.

22. In a blocking mechanism adapted to wind a strip coming from a strip mill, the combination of a rotatable block, rotating expanding mechanism within said block, means to expand said mechanism and thereby cause the strip to be attached between said block and said mechanism when the same has entered therebetween, said block and said mechanism being adapted to be collapsed after the strip is wound leaving the coil of strip free.

23. In a blocking mechanism adapted to wind a strip coming from a strip mill, the combination of a rotatable block, rotating expanding mechanism within said block, means to expand said mechanism and thereby cause the strip to be attached to the block, said block being adapted to be collapsed by the weight of the strip thereon after the strip is wound, and means for collapsing automatically the mechanism within the block after the strip is wound, leaving the coil of strip free on the block.

24. In mechanism adapted to wind a strip coming from a strip mill, the combination of a rotatable block, comprising a plurality of hinged-together sections, a plurality of expandible members within said block, and a hand wheel for controlling the block independently of the inside expandible members when the latter are not expanded.

25. In a blocking device for a strip, comprising a rotatable block, the combination of internal mechanism adapted to be expanded, an external shell comprising a plurality of sections and constructed to make a perfectly smooth surface when the strip is being wound, and an opening in said external shell for the strip to enter between the internal and external mechanism.

26. In a blocking device for a strip comprising a rotatable block adapted to wind a strip fed from a strip mill, the combmation of internal expanding mechanlsm, and an external shell, said external shell comprising yieldable sections hinged together and secured to one permanent sectlon, an opening in-said shell between two of the yieldable sections, for the strlp to enter, said last named sections being beveled and adapted when overlap ing each other with the strip interposed etween to form a smooth surface for the strip to wind on.

AUGUST SU-NDH. 

